Trees for 1000 Gardens

Note: This project is still in the development phase. The text below serves as a draft.

Trees for 1000 Gardens

At Rootsum, we have one mission: to create biodiverse gardens. A biodiverse garden helps restore nature, provides space for flora and fauna, and contributes to a healthy living environment. Our approach is broken down into steps, and stepping stone 3 is: design your garden with biodiversity in mind. A native tree is an essential part of this. With this project, we want to plant 1000 native trees together with you.

Native trees are perfectly adapted to our climate and ecosystem. They provide food and shelter to countless species of birds, insects, and small mammals. A single tree can provide shelter to up to 500 species of insects and dozens of birds as nesting or resting places. Furthermore, a mature tree can absorb up to 22 kilos of CO₂ annually, helping to fight climate change.

Trees not only enrich the biodiversity in your garden, but they also connect you directly with nature. They provide cooling on hot days, improve air quality, and support soil health. With this project, we are making a tangible difference for nature together.

In this project, we offer the common Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) as a tree species. The common spindle grows into a medium-sized shrub or small tree, reaching 3 to a maximum of 6 meters in height. It grows on average 30 cm each year and thrives in all humus-rich soil types. The flowering occurs in May with light yellow, inconspicuous flowers. In September and October, pink fruit with orange seeds appears, which is enjoyed by robins, tits, and thrushes. The berries are mildly toxic to humans. The common spindle has a robust and densely branched root system and can grow in both dry and temporarily flooded areas. It is highly resistant to winter cold and sea winds.

Would you like to plant this native species and contribute to a greener future?

1. Sign up: The registration for receiving a tree will begin in March 2025. Please revisit this page to sign up. Registration will remain open until the project budget of €15,000 is reached. Also, sign up for our newsletter to stay updated with all the news!
2. Selection of participants: From all registrations, we will randomly select 1000 participants.
3. Planting and following up: If you are selected, you will receive your tree at home. The tree will be delivered bare-rooted (without soil) and must be planted immediately after receiving it. You will send us a photo after the planting action and (preferably) an annual update on the growth of your tree.
4. A tree is a commitment: Sign up only if you truly have the space to plant the tree and are committed to caring for its growth. It is okay if it doesn't work out (e.g., due to moving), but we hope that as many trees as possible will grow into mature trees, thus making the maximum impact.

The project has a total value of €15,000:

• €5,000 for the trees
• €10,000 for shipping and logistics. The trees will be shipped to 1000 individual registrants.

The trees are carefully selected and fully aligned with the goal of promoting local biodiversity.

With every order you place at Rootsum, you can select this project during checkout. We will then donate 1% of your purchase amount to fund this initiative – at no extra cost to you. Together, we will ensure that 1000 trees find their way into gardens in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany.

Every tree planted is a step towards more biodiversity and nature restoration. These 1000 trees:

• Contribute to biodiversity: They provide shelter for birds, insects, and other animals.
• Enrich the soil: With a healthy root system, they strengthen the soil and water management.
• Capture CO₂: Together, they store thousands of kilos of CO₂ annually, helping to fight climate change.
• Connect people with nature: By sharing an annual photo update, involvement and awareness of the power of trees are created.

Whether you have a large garden or a small space, planting a tree means creating a future. An indigenous tree is not just an addition to your garden; it is a step toward a greener world and a contribution to the restoration of our nature.

Join us, sign up, and make more green. Plant a tree, create a future – together with Rootsum!